Sorry, Cabaret closed on 19 Jan 2013

About the show

Cabaret is based on Christopher Isherwood's Berlin Diaries, which inspired the play 'I Am the Camera'. The musical has achieved worldwide success in a number of different productions and the iconic film version starred Liza Minelli and Joel Gray went on to pick up the Oscar Award for Best Film. Director Rufus Norris brings his 2006 production back to the West End after an extensive UK tour and Olivier Award winning success, showing the darker side of 1930s Berlin at the infamous Kit Kat Klub. Featuring songs such as 'Maybe This Time', 'Money Makes The World Go Around', 'Two Ladies' and the title track, this fantastic musical has won an impressive 13 Tony Awards, 7 BAFTAs and 8 Oscars.

There have been numerous revivals of Cabaret on both sides of the Atlantic - the most successful being the Donmar Warehouse production directed by Sam Mendes that transferred to Broadway's Studio 54. This production starred Alan Cumming and the late Natasha Richardson. A number of celebrities have starred in the musical, ranging from Judi Dench to Neil Patrick Harris, and the show proves to be one of Kander and Ebb's most frequently performed musical. This new production was originally seen at the Lyric Theatre, and starred a host of celebrities including Sheila Hancock and Julian Clary. The score was adapted for the film version, but many of these songs have now been absorbed into the score of the musical, giving a complete production featuring the best of various different revivals.

Who Should See It?

Fans of the original film will enjoy seeing the musical back in the West End in this highly regarded new production. Will Young fans will be delighted to see the star make his West End début as the Emcee, and will thoroughly enjoy this insightful and engaging interpretation. Fans of the musical Chicago will recognise the style of John Kander and Fred Ebb, and will be left captivated by this stunning score.

This production is not suitable for children. There is frequent talk of adult themes, and nudity throughout.

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Characters

Sally Bowles - the British headline performer at the Kit Kat Klub who falls in love with Cliff. She performs songs such as 'Maybe This Time', 'Mein Herr' and 'Don't Tell Mamma'. 

The Emcee - This leering, flamboyant character presides over the Kit Kat Klub and invites the audience to see the goings on. He often breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience, commentating on the proceedings with songs such as 'Money', 'If They Could See Her' and of course 'Wilkommen'. 

Cliff Bradshaw - An American writer travelling through Berlin who meets Sally Bowles at the club. He is instantly taken in by her charm and gets caught up in the seedy world of the cabaret. 

Fräulein Schneider - An old German woman who runs the boarding house where Cliff and Sally reside. She softens slightly as she is wooed by the elderly Herr Schultz, but sings of the worth of money in 'So What'. She is unforgiving of the Nazi regime and asks Cliff 'What Would You Do?'

Herr Schultz - An elderly fruit shop owner who is in love with Schneider and brings her an exotic gift of a pineapple. He suffers first hand at the rise of the Nazi's as his shop is broken into. 

Fräulein Kost - A prostitute who works in the boarding house. She sleeps with various men and has no respect for authority, or anyone other than herself. 

Awards

1967 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor, Best Featured Actress, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design

1994 Laurence Olivier Awards: Best Performance in a Supporting Role 

1998 Tony Awards: Best Revival, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Featured Actor, Best Lighting Design. 

2007 Laurence Olivier Awards: Best Choreographer, Best Supporting Actress (Sheila Hancock)